INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has partnered once again with local health departments and other healthcare entities across the state to host summer back-to-school immunization clinics as part of a statewide effort to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations prior to the start of the 2023-24 school year.
Now in its second year, the “Start Smart” campaign includes a map showing dates, times, and locations of community immunization clinics. The map can be found at https://startsmart.health.
“Routine immunizations are the best way to protect children from highly contagious diseases like measles, mumps, and chicken pox and can help ensure every student has a healthy start to the school year,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “During last year’s back-to-school outreach, nearly 50% of children who were behind on their immunizations got caught up on at least one vaccine, giving them protection that can last a lifetime.”
IDOH is also mailing letters to parents of children whose state immunization records show they are behind on a required immunization. A list of immunizations required for school can be found here.
Dr. Weaver continued, “I encourage every parent of a school-age child to check their child’s vaccine status today and to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider or take advantage of these convenient opportunities in their communities.”
